: Your credit score is the single most powerful factor in determining your mortgage interest rate. Request a free report from AnnualCreditReport.com to check for inaccuracies and ensure your score meets the minimum requirements (typically 580–620 or higher).
Before looking at listings, you must determine what you can realistically afford. how to start the process of buying a house
: Maintain a reserve of 3–6 months of living expenses to cover unexpected repairs after move-in. Phase 2: Mortgage Pre-Approval : Your credit score is the single most
A pre-approval is an in-depth review where a lender verifies your financial documents to determine exactly how much they will lend you. This step is essential because many real estate agents will not show homes to buyers without a pre-approval letter, and sellers often won't consider offers without one. How to start the home buying process in 2026 : Maintain a reserve of 3–6 months of
: Use a home affordability calculator to factor in your income, existing debts, and a potential down payment. Experts suggest keeping total housing costs—including principal, interest, taxes, and insurance—below 28% of your gross monthly income . Save for Upfront Costs :